Last month, B.J. Maloy, founder and CEO of Evolve Golf, was named among the “Top 40 Under 40” executives for 2009 by Sporting Goods Business magazine. This award recognizes young business people who are leaders in the sporting goods market.

B.J. was selected from more than 500 nominees, based on criteria of years of service, level of responsibility attained, accomplishments and commitment to teamwork. He was noted to have made a direct and positive impact on the sporting goods industry as a whole.

Harrison Taylor has been selected to represent The First Tee of Brunswick County at the 2009 Life Skills and Leadership Academy in Eugene, Ore. The academy takes place July 28-Aug. 4 for the first time at the University of Oregon.

I like to hear about positive actions taken by our golf communities in the face of a down economy. It shows a belief in the long-term viability and profitability of the golf industry in Brunswick County.

Sandpiper Bay Golf and Country Club is in the second phase of renovating it course. Last year, it installed new MiniVerde Ultradwarf Bermudagrass on the Sand Nine. This summer, the process is continuing on the Piper Nine.

Tim Tilma, the general manager of Sandpiper Bay, is delighted the ownership of the golf course complex is continuing with the renovation.

Five years after his last Carolinas PGA major championship win, Oak Island resident Steve Isley won the 45th Pepsi North Carolina Open June 4 at Kilmarlic Golf Club in Powells Point.

Isley, who worked at St. James before becoming PGA director of golf at Masonboro Country Club in Wilmington, shot a 5-under 67 in the final round for a five-stroke victory over Bryan Sullivan and Rick Morton.

Isley finished at 15-under 201 (63-71-67). Thirty-seven competitors made it to the final round in the tourney in Currituck County.

Joe Deane is a local golfer, 83 years young, who works each Saturday at Brunswick Plantation as a starter.

Last week, Joe and I sat and talked in the clubhouse at Brunswick Plantation. He brought pictures and clippings and autograph books and other memorabilia, and in the next hour I heard an amazing story.